Ground broken on park honoring Thomas J. Sullivan

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WWLP) – A groundbreaking Monday for the future site of the Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J Sullivan Park in Springfield.

The Sullivan family joined Springfield city leaders for a ceremony at the park on South Branch Parkway. The 12-acre Park will include a kayak/canoe launch, walking paths, benches, lookouts and a small parking lot; as well as a memorial dedicated to GySgt. Sullivan.

His family told NBC affiliate WWLP-22News he would be humbled by the park’s dedication.

“It really is a meaningful location for our family. It’s very close to the house we grew up in. both my brothers would play here. It’s just something that’s really great for the kids of this community too, that’s something my brother would have liked” said Dianne Sullivan Caron.

Sullivan was murdered in a homegrown terror attack in Tennessee in July of last year. He was posthumously honored with the Purple Heart and Springfield’s Medal of Valor.

Billy Graham would be the first to say that his message was not complex or unique, but he won over audiences worldwide with his friendliness, openness, humility and unyielding religious conviction.More

Billy Graham would be the first to say that his message was not complex or unique, but he won over audiences worldwide with his friendliness, openness, humility and unyielding religious conviction.More